While the weather forecast is literally threatening to rain on the Puerto Rican Day Parade, as of now, it’s still scheduled to happen on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway Saturday. That’s just down the street from the second annual Philadelphia Polo Classic in Fairmount Park, with proceeds going to Work to Ride. WXPN’s big event, the XPoNential Music Festival, brings three days of music to Camden’s Wiggins Park, while Philly Fashion Week brings fabulousness to Center City. The weather may belie the title this weekend, but the creators of “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” are in town to host their “Always Sunny” podcast in front of their fervent fanbase.
New Jersey | Delaware | Special Events | Food & Drink | Arts & Culture | Music
New Jersey
XPoNential Music Festival
- Where: Wiggins Park, 2 Riverside Dr., Camden, N.J.
- When: Friday, Sept. 22 – Sunday, Sept. 24
- How much: $10 – $216 (kid’s, one-day and three-day passes available)
XPoNential Music Festival, South Jersey’s annual major music fest hosted by WXPN, is back this weekend. Margo Price, Nik Greeley & The Operators, Bruce Hornsby & the Noisemakers, and Philadelphia’s own Low Cut Connie play over three days beginning Friday. XPN member passes include artist meet-and-greets.
Delaware
Meet and Greet Lunch with Bill Bellamy
- Where: Wilmington Public Library, The Commons, 10 E. 10th St.
- When: Friday, Sept. 22, noon
- How much: Free
Bill Bellamy has achieved career longevity by pivoting from actor to comedian to comedy competition host on TV One’s “Bill Bellamy’s Who’s Got Jokes.” He appears at the Wilmington Public Library for a special lunch supporting his new book “Top Billin’: Stories of Laughter, Lessons and Triumph.”
Special Events
Halloween Nights
- Where: Eastern State Penitentiary, 2027 Fairmount Ave.
- When: Friday, Sept. 22 – Saturday, Nov. 11
- How much: $39 and up
As if a long-dormant jail isn’t scary enough, Eastern State Penitentiary is hosting Halloween Nights at their Fairmont location, with five haunted houses, themed bars, and live performances in their interactive Halloween-themed installation. With names like Delirium, Machine Shop, and The Crypt, the haunted houses should live up to their billing. If things get too intense, pull up to the VIP-only speakeasy at Al Capone’s cell for a live performance from the “undead.”
The Always Sunny Podcast Live
39 Conestoga Rd., Malvern, Pa.
When four Black men sit down to a game of dominoes, colloquially known as “bonez,” they’re not expecting life-changing results. But a casual get-together soon turns serious as secrets and vulnerabilities are revealed in the new play “Bonez.” Playwright Stephen H. Broadnax III mined similar emotional territory in his play “Bayard Rustin Inside Ashland,” which also played at People’s Light.
Uncle Bobbie’s X Leslie Jones Book Tour
- Where: Greene St. Friends School, 20 W. Armat St.
- When: Friday, Sept. 22, 7 p.m.
- How much: $32, ticket price includes signed copy of the book
Comedian, actress, and “Saturday Night Live” alum Leslie Jones’ new memoir “Leslie F*cking Jones” was released this week. In the book, she covers childhood trauma, including her challenging relationship with her father, struggles to get her footing in comedy, and her brother’s passing. She’ll talk about it all at her Philadelphia book tour stop hosted by Uncle Bobbie’s Bookstore.
The Book Club Play
- Where: Old Academy Players, 3544 Indian Queen Lane
- When: Friday, Sept. 22 – Sunday, Oct. 1
- How much: $20
When Ana’s beloved book club becomes the focus of a documentary, things change unexpectedly. In The Book Club Play, a new member and the revelations that come with several bottles of wine while cameras are rolling make for comedy gold.
Menopause The Musical 2
- Where: Bucks County Playhouse, 70 S. Main St., New Hope, Pa.
- When: Through Sunday, Oct. 1
- How much: $55- $75
Too hot for you? If you’re in menopause, the answer is indisputably yes and then some. Those changes and how women contend with them are at the heart of “Menopause the Musical 2,” which checks into the Bucks County Playhouse this week. Sail with the ladies to music from the ‘70s, ‘80s, and ‘90s as the women take the party to the high seas.
Music
Fantasia with Joe
- Where: Mann Center, 5201 Parkside Ave.
- When: Sunday, Sept. 24, 7:30 p.m.
- How much: $20 and up
“American Idol” winner turned Fantasia into a mononymous star and Grammy winner. Her tour heads to the Mann on Sunday, before the release of “The Color Purple” movie musical reboot due on Christmas Day. She’ll be with crooner Joe Thomas, who also goes by just his first name. His big hit ‘90s hit, “I Wanna Know” remains a staple on lover’s playlists.
Macklemore
- Where: Met Philadelphia, 858 N. Broad St.
- When: Saturday, Sept. 23, 7:30 p.m.
- How much: $35 and up
Macklemore is a decade past his “Thrift Shop” success with Ryan Lewis. He and his former partner also parted ways in 2020. But he’s moved on with a new album, “Ben,” and a new single, “No Bad Days,” and its remix with Armani White. His current tour heads to the Met Philadelphia on Saturday.
Keke Palmer: The Big Boss Tour
- Where: Theater for the Living Arts, 334 South St.
- When: Saturday, Sept. 23, 9 p.m.
- How much: $29 and up
Keke Palmer is best known as an actress, but she’s also got singing chops. In May she released a 41-minute autobiographical film called “Big Boss” with a 10-song soundtrack of the same name produced by Grammy-winner Tricky Stewart. Keke superfans can see her musical side at her Philly appearance at the TLA.
Saturdays just got more interesting.
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